Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks forms part of the FTSE-50 energy company, SSE. Our electricity distribution and transmission networks carry electricity to over 3.7 million homes and businesses across Scotland and Central Southern England. Our skilled teams are based right across the regions we serve, from the bustle of West London to the smallest villages in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

At Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks we are keeping our customers' lives comfortable, warm and well lit, no matter what. Our focus on people helps us understand the needs of the community and deliver the best service possible – no excuses. We've worked on our networks for over 70 years to meet the changing needs of our customers. We are ready to meet the challenges ahead. We're powering our community.

To ensure that our Network continues to run effectively, we are looking to recruit two Retained Switchers to support the work carried out by our Distribution business across the North and West of Scotland. In particular we are looking for two to be based from Isle of Colonsay. This is an exciting role where you'll face plenty of challenges including the weather, but the rewards are as numerous as the opportunities. Join us and you'll be part of a unique task force dedicated to looking after our customers and keeping the lights on by helping us to react better to faults on the network and meet our goals. You'll react and rectify faults on the network in your local area and will help out during busy storm periods. There will also be an opportunity at time to assist with our staff during busy normal periods of work. You'll have a high regard for safety at all times, ensuring you adhere to all Electrical & Safety Safe Systems of Work and Procedures which we will give you training on. You will also act as a strong ambassador for SSEPD, providing excellent customer service at all times. The role can be demanding and you will be required to respond quickly to emergency situations. The role will involve working outdoors in all weather conditions.

To be successful in this role you will need to have a will to work in the worst of weather, have a high level of manual dexterity, the ability to recognise risk and put control measures against the hazards perceived. You must have excellent communication skills and a basic knowledge of electricity along with the ability to demonstrate high safety standards. Full training for the role will be provided, however, you will be expected to pass a High Voltage switching course. You must have a full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

The role is being offered on a retained basis meaning that we would pay you £150 per month. If and when there is a fault and a power cut occurs, then we would pay you £14.07 per hour for each hour that we need your support. This tends to be during storms and can mean some weeks/months you will work zero hours. Due to the nature of the role, you will need to be permanently based on Colonsay.

There are big energy challenges ahead, but with your skills and experience there are just as many opportunities. As one of the UK's largest and fastest growing energy companies, we take great pride in our work. So, if you want to work in an environment passionate about safety, innovation, teamwork and excellence in everything we do, you'll be proud to be part of the SSE family.

Closing date: 4 December2016

"In our annual engagement survey our staff voted us as a great place to work"

This vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. As a courtesy, internal candidates should please notify their line manager prior to submitting their application. Successful candidates will be subject to the company's verification and vetting process which includes a basic criminal record check.